Mansfield Public Schools
February 27, 2020
A Message From The Superintendent
February 27, 2020
Dear Mansfield School Community,
We are reaching out to provide information about the respiratory disease COVID-19 or the "Coronavirus". While this is a public health concern, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to report that the immediate risk to the general public, including Massachusetts residents, remains low at this time. Travelers who are ill or at high risk are being screened at specific airports and advised accordingly with referral to local departments of health if necessary.
Mansfield Public Schools is in frequent communication with the Mansfield Health Department, Mansfield Emergency Management Agency, and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) and will continue to follow updated recommendations. We understand in today's connected world, the potential for communicable disease is always a concern. It is important to note that our community members are much more likely to be exposed to the seasonal flu or other cold viruses than to be exposed to COVID-19. Here are some general precautions we can all take to remain as healthy as possible.
- Practice good hand hygiene. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, if unable to wash, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- When coughing and sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeves, not your hands. Throw tissues in the trash and wash your hands with soap and water.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick whenever possible.
In addition, it is important to stay home when you are ill. Please keep in mind our district's health policy as stated in our handbooks and keep your student home if your student:
- Has an elevated temperature (The CDC defines a fever as 100°F (37.8°C) or higher and recommend staying home for 24 hours after a fever for full recovery)
- Has a SIGNIFICANT cold with sneezing, nasal drainage, and/or persistent cough and difficulty breathing
- Has a suspicious undiagnosed rash
- Has been vomiting within the past 24 hours (not associated with a diagnosed condition - as in regurgitation - or a medication side effect)
- Has diarrhea which cannot be managed by the student’s ability to use the bathroom independently
- Has a contagious disease (i.e. strep throat, tonsillitis, bronchitis, and conjunctivitis) and has not been on medication at least 24-48 hours from the first dose
We understand that this is an evolving situation that we are monitoring carefully and will continue to update our school community as information is shared with us. Please rest assured we are tracking student health issues closely. Our school Facilities Department is vigilantly sanitizing our educational spaces as we typically do during cold and flu season. We are following all recommended guidelines to ensure the safety of our students and staff.
For up to date information with the latest guidance, including printable fact sheets in multiple languages and a guidance letter from the DPH send to all schools visit:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Sincerely,
Teresa Murphy
Superintendent
Christine Dooling, MSN, RN
Director of Health Services
Contact Information
Email: school.notifications@mansfieldschools.com
Website: www.mansfieldschools.com
Location: 2 Park Row, Mansfield, MA, USA
Phone: 508-261-7500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mansfield-Public-Schools-508839202499633/
Twitter: @MansfieldSchool